Rainwater harvesting is an ancient practice in drylands, but in more
recent times it has often been abandoned in favor of more "modern" approaches
to the provision of water for human consumption and agriculture. In many
cases this had led to serious environmental consequences and/or overconsumption
of precious groundwater resources. Fortunately this trend is beginning
to reverse itself as people increasingly realize the potential environmental
and economic benefits of capturing and using precipitation as close to
where it falls as possible. Yet, to date, designing water harvesting
systems has seemed a daunting prospect for many individuals who have
the desire to do so, but not the practical know-how. This first of three
volumes* provides extensively researched and tested, simple, small-scale
strategies from around the world for creating rainwater harvesting "nets" to
use harvested water to improve the land at scales from household gardens
and yards to parks, communities, farms and ranches. Throughout, the aim
of this personable and accessible work is to give "ordinary" people
the tools and knowledge they need to become more water self-sufficient
while developing skills of self-reliance and cooperation along the way;
in fact, it has great pertinence not just to individuals but also to
designers, planners and policy makers.

*Volume 2, Water-Harvesting Earthworks, is due out in January
2007; Volume 3, Roof Catchment and Cistern Systems, will be published
in 2008. Mr. Lancaster's article about a
"water farmer" in Zimbabwe appeared in ALN No. 46.

Water conflicts are nothing new in the arid western US; however, they
are becoming increasingly common even in water-rich regions like Florida.
Furthermore, these new conflicts generally surpass the current water
governing bodies' geographic scope, statutory authority, and political
constituencies--and thus, their ability to resolve the conflicts using
existing management strategies. Hence, the focus of this book on adaptive
governance, "the evolution of new institutions that attempt to resolve
conflicts among competing authorities." Eight Florida case studies,
chosen to represent a range of conflicts concerning water quality, water
quantity and habitat preservation or restoration, are each enriched by
commentaries from a wide variety of perspectives rooted in experience
(e.g. urban planning, engineering, political science, administration).
The overall aim is to "discuss five challenges that new institutions
must overcome to develop sustainable solutions for water users: Who is
to be involved in the policy process? How are they to interact? How is
science to be used? How are users and the public to be made aware? How
can solutions be made efficient and equitable?" Aimed primarily
at a U.S. audience of water professionals, policy scientists, students,
and researchers in natural resources management.

Dedicated to Dr. Ishwar Prakash, "an
untiring crusader in the cause of studies of Indian Desert Fauna," this
book is a compilation of 15 articles on various aspects of faunal biodiversity
of the Thar Desert of northwestern India. Its intent is to examine the
regional ecological impacts of intense anthropogenic pressures on this
unique ecosystem over the past 8 decades, beginning with the advent of
extensive canalization of the desert beginning in the 1920s. Each article
examines a different aspect of this biodiversity, ranging from the micro
level (soil bioresources) to the macro level (mammalian diversity), and
considering in between such specific fauna as termites, butterflies,
mosquitoes, dung beetles, amphibians, reptiles and fish, birds, and rodents.
The final chapter examines the relationship between climate change and
the emergence of vector-borne diseases -- a topic of increasing relevance
world-wide. Indeed, the intent of the editors has been to provide a compilation
that will be highly useful not just as a record or ecological change
in this important south Asian desert, but also as a model for similar
inquiries in other parts of the world.

This practical, hands-on manual presents an integrated soil and vegetation
monitoring system for rangelands that focuses on three basic and crucial
ecosystem attributes: soil and site stability, watershed function, and
biotic integrity. The 2-volume format is designed to make the materials
accessible and useful to a broad audience. Those with minimal experience
in science or rangeland management will find volume 1, "Quick Start," particularly
handy, with tools and guidelines that will enable them to begin basic
monitoring right away, as well as a useful checklist that will help them
determine with chapters are most likely to be pertinent to their situation.
More experienced users will especially appreciate Volume 2, "Design,
Supplemental Methods and Interpretation," which provides more detailed
guidance and includes numerous supplementary methods. Volume 2 also includes
a section on Special Topics that includes guidelines on adapting the
monitoring protocols for more specific management objectives like livestock
production, wildlife habitat, invasive species control or recreational
use. Of interest to a wide audience including ranchers, environmental
organizations and land management agencies.

* * *

NB: The following books, previously published in hardback by the University
of Arizona press, are newly available in paperback: